A disposable dispensing device for storing and dispensing fluids, such as liquids and gels is disclosed. The dispensing device is a scalable packaging solution including an outer protective housing or shell, optionally a fluid reservoir, and an orifice from which the materials are expelled. The dispensing device can also include a dispensing button that activates an internal pumping system via an actuator mechanism that translates a force in a first direction into a force in a second direction. The dispensing device is particularly useful for liquids such as fragrances or colognes, gels, purified water, dry powders, creams, and pharmaceutical products such as eye ear drops or sprays. The device by design has many uses, is highly portable, and can include an outer reusable and decorative case.
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1. A fluid dispensing device comprising
a hollow housing comprising one or more walls;
an orifice arranged to pass through a wall of the housing;
a reservoir that fits into the hollow interior of the housing;
a pump that fits into the reservoir and includes a nozzle that contacts the orifice; and
an actuating mechanism that contacts the pump;
wherein a force applied to a portion of the actuating mechanism in a first direction causes the actuating mechanism to move the pump in a second direction, and causing it to expel fluid from the reservoir through the nozzle and out of the device through the orifice,
wherein the actuating mechanism comprises:
one or more front arms that contact the pump; and
one or more rear arms that extend from the one or more front arms to a recess in, or a protrusion extending from, a wall of the housing.
2. The device of
3. The device of
4. The device of
7. The device of
8. The device of
9. The device of
10. The device of
11. The device of
13. The device of
14. The device of
15. The device of
17. The device of
18. The fluid dispensing device of
19. The device of
20. The device of
21. A case for a fluid dispensing device of
a container configured to enclose the dispensing device, and
a cover configured to allow the dispensing device to be inserted into and removed from the container.
22. The case of
23. The case of
24. The case of
25. A method of dispensing a fluid, the method comprising
obtaining a device of
applying a force to a portion of the actuating mechanism to expel one measured dose of fluid in the device.
26. The method of
27. The method of
28. The method of
29. The method of
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This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §371 to international application number PCT/US2004/032677, filed on Oct. 4, 2004, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional application No. 60/508,533, filed on Oct. 2, 2003. The subject matters of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
This applications claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/508,533, filed on Oct. 2, 2003, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
This invention relates to self-contained, portable dispensing systems that can store and dispense fluids such as fragrances, colognes, gels, and creams.
Many consumer products, such as those used for personal care and hygiene, come in the form of liquids, creams, or gels that are sprayed or otherwise applied to the skin, eyes, or mouth. Such products are typically stored in jars, tubes, or bottles that contain sufficient quantities of the product to provide multiple applications, but are not always convenient or safe for travel or for being carried in a purse or pocket.
The invention provides a unique packaging solution in the form of a highly functional and portable dispensing system for commercially available consumer products by way of metered dose(s). The range of products that the new systems can store and dispense is limited only by their size and internal pump design(s).
In general, the invention features fluid dispensing devices that include a hollow housing comprising one or more walls; an orifice arranged to pass through a wall of the housing; an optional reservoir that fits into the hollow interior of the housing; a pump that fits into the reservoir and includes a nozzle that contacts the orifice; and an actuating mechanism that contacts the pump; wherein a force applied to a portion of the actuating mechanism in a first direction causes the actuating mechanism to move the pump in a second direction, and causing it to expel fluid from the reservoir through the nozzle and out of the device through the orifice.
In these devices, the housing can include a lower shell and an upper shell connected to the lower shell to enclose a hollow interior. The devices can further include a dispensing button arranged in a wall of the housing to contact a portion of the actuating mechanism. In certain embodiments, the pump and the reservoir move together as one unit upon actuation.
In some embodiments, the actuating mechanism can include one or more front arms that contact the pump via a pressure plate secured to the pump, and one or more rear arms that rest against the housing. For example, the one or more rear arms can rest against a recess in, or protrusion extending from, a wall (e.g., bottom wall or floor) of the housing. In other embodiments, the actuating mechanism can include a body having a front portion and a rear portion connected by a hinge, wherein the front portion includes a first cutout and two front arms, one front arm being located on each side of the first cutout, configured to fit over the pump, and wherein the rear portion includes a second cutout and two rear arms, one rear arm being located on each side of the second cutout, configured to fit over the pump. The actuating mechanism can further include a tab attached to the rear portion that extends through a third cutout in the front portion when the actuating mechanism is bent at the hinge. The actuating mechanism can be made of plastic, and the hinge can be a living hinge.
In other embodiments, the actuating mechanism can include two elongated parts, each part having a front arm, a rear arm, and hinge connecting the two arms, and wherein the two elongated parts are arranged one on each side of the pump. For example, the two elongated parts can be attached to each other by a connecting bar, and the parts can be made of plastic, with the hinge being a living hinge.
In these devices, the reservoir can include two fluid chambers arranged one on each side of the pump chamber, and that are in fluid communication with each other and the pump chamber. The reservoir can include at least one fluid chamber and a pump chamber, and the pump fits into the pump chamber. The pump can include a body, a nozzle, and a spring within the body to press the nozzle out of the pump when pressed into the body by an external force, wherein the body, nozzle, and spring are aligned along one central axis. The devices can further include an orifice cup configured to fit into the orifice, for controlling the dispensing pattern of the fluid as it is expelled from the nozzle, e.g., as a spray, stream, mist, or drop of fluid.
In certain embodiments, the actuating mechanism includes one or more actuating arms having an angled face; and the device further includes a pump mount connected to the pump having a wedge surface that is arranged to contact the angled face of the actuating arm. In this arrangement, pressure on a portion of the actuating mechanism in a first direction causes the one or more actuating arms to move, causing the angled face to press against the wedge surface, causing the wedge surface and the pump to move in a second direction, and causing the pump to expel fluid from the reservoir through the nozzle and out of the device through the orifice.
In these devices, the first and second directions can be at approximately 80 to 100 degrees, e.g., approximately 90 degrees, to each other.
In another aspect, the invention also includes cases for the new fluid dispensing devices. These cases include a container configured to enclose the dispensing device, and a cover configured to allow the dispensing device to be inserted into and removed from the container. The covers of these cases can further include a portion that covers a dispensing button of the dispensing device. The cases can have a round, square, or rectangular profile, or have the shape of an animal, a flower, a heart, or a face.
In another aspect, the invention includes methods of dispensing a fluid by obtaining one of the new dispensing devices and applying a force to a portion of the actuating mechanism to expel one measured dose of fluid in the device. The device can be obtained pre-filled with a fluid, or the user can fill a desired fluid into the device. In these methods, applying a force to a portion of the actuating mechanism includes applying a downward force on a hinged actuation mechanism that converts the downward force into a force in a second direction within the dispensing device, and causes the pump to move and to expel fluid through the nozzle and out of the device through the orifice. The methods can be used to dispense perfume, water, mouthwash, deodorant, antiperspirant, cologne, pepper spray, or skin lotion.
The new dispensing systems are relatively inexpensive and disposable and can be used for many different products and for many different occasions, and are thus ideal for mass-market distribution. Metal versions of the same designs can be made to be more durable and non-disposable.
Other embodiments include ornamental and/or fashion accessories, e.g., cases, as well as external designs of the device and/or case that are in the shape of animals or other “fun” shapes. These devices can be filled with, e.g., “younger” scents and/or aroma type products that are designed to appeal to children or teenagers.
The new devices have clear advantages over similar size sampling type dispensers, offering their users the convenience of multiple uses in metered doses in the form of a spray, mist, stream, or drops. The device can be personally stored between uses. In addition, the new devices offer a scalable design that can be altered for both functional and ornamental presentation.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
Like reference numerals refer to like elements of the devices represented in these figures. Any dimensions shown in the figures are exemplary.
In other embodiments, housing 21 includes separate sidewalls (e.g., a cylinder), a bottom, and a top, that fit together to form a sealed container, which houses the other parts of the system. The top can be flexible or compressible, so that it forms dispensing button 40 without the need for a separate button. Instead, the user merely presses on the flexible top to contact and apply force to the actuating mechanism 60, described in further detail below.
The contents of the dispensing device include a pump 50 including a nozzle 52 at one end (e.g., the “top”), and a pressure plate 45, which fits over and is secured to the top of pump 50. A reservoir 70 is also included within hollow interior 22 of device 20. Pump 50 includes an internal spring 51 (as seen through the clear plastic of the pump in
Interior space 22 also contains an actuating mechanism 60, e.g., a hinged actuating mechanism, which will be described in further detail below for various embodiments.
Living hinges are thin sections of very flexible plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, which connect two segments of a part to keep them together and allow the part to be bent repeatedly. These hinges must be processed properly. For example, the molecules of plastic in the hinge should be oriented along the hinge line for the hinge to have an acceptable life. For example, one can orient the gate location to allow the plastic to flow across the hinge for maximum strength. In addition, when the hinge is removed from a mold, it can be flexed a minimum of two times while it is still hot, for optimum strength.
The actuating mechanism 60 includes two front arms 62 and two rear arms 64 (as best seen in
In alternative embodiments, actuating mechanism 60 can be formed of two separate elongated parts (60A and 60B), each with its own living hinge, e.g., as shown in
In both embodiments, the actuating mechanism translates force applied to the dispensing button 40 in a first direction (e.g., a downward force) into a force on the pressure plate 45 in a second direction (e.g., a lateral force) to move the pump towards a sidewall of the housing 21 and dispense liquid from the nozzle 52 and orifice cup 35. The first direction can be about 70 to 110°, 75 to 105°, or 80 to 100°, e.g., about 90° (e.g., perpendicular), to the second direction.
Pump 50 is a stock item, e.g., it can be a so-called “Replica™” pump made by Valois America. Other pumps of the appropriate size and configuration can be used. For example, the Replica pump is shown in
The reservoir can be filled in the factory before the cover is secured to the reservoir (e.g., for disposable embodiments). Reusable embodiments of the device can include an access port and stopper, e.g., a threaded or press fit stopper (not shown) in the reservoir to enable consumers to fill various liquid or gel products into the reservoir.
From its resting position as illustrated in (
This lateral movement causes the nozzle 52 to be pressed into pump 50, causing it to expel one measured dose of the contents of reservoir 70 in a predetermine discharge pattern, e.g., a spring, stream, and drop, depending on the liquid and dosage or amount to be dispensed. By releasing dispensing button 40, spring 51 inside pump 50 causes nozzle 52 to be pressed out of the pump, thereby moving pressure plate 45 laterally away from the orifice cup, and moving the pump and the reservoir away from the orifice cup as well. As a result, hinged actuating mechanism 60 is bent upwards, in preparation for the next actuation. Mounting the dispensing button 40 flush into the top shell 32 provides an accidental discharge safety feature.
The new dispensing devices offer high consumer portability and same package multi-application(s), with an ornamental design that can be cosmetically altered by way of production materials or methods and/or after market accessories. Thus, the housing 21 of the devices themselves can be circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, or other shapes. In addition, as shown in
Reservoir 108 fits inside housing 100 and is connected, e.g., by a pressure fit, to pump mount 110. Pump 50 fits securely in pump mount 110, and is inserted into reservoir 108. Reservoir neck 109 is press fit or threaded into opening 111 in pump mount 110, thereby sealing pump 50 inside reservoir 108.
When dispensing button 106 is pushed downward, the two angled faces 122 are pressed against the two wedges 112 on either side of pump mount 110. This pressure, in turn, forces the wedges, and thus the pump mount, pump, and reservoir, to move horizontally (laterally) forwards (right in
Thus, in all embodiments, a force in a first direction (e.g., downwards) is applied to a surface of the device, or a dispensing button, which contacts an actuator mechanism that translates the force into a second direction (e.g., horizontally or laterally), which is approximately (or exactly) at 90° to the first direction. The force in the second direction moves an internal pump towards a wall of the device, causing a nozzle of the pump to be pushed into the pump to dispense liquid contained in the housing or reservoir in the housing.
It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.
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Oct 04 2004 | The X Group Inc. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Nov 14 2006 | GILLIARD, RALPH J | THE X GROUP | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 018623 | /0239 | |
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